Photostory 3: Bringing Photos to Life!



What is it?

Photostory 3 is a way to create slideshows using digital pictures. It not only puts your photos into a slideshow, but you can easily crop or rotate your pictures. You can also add special effects, soundtracks, voice narration, titles, and captions. Photstory 3 is a free download from Microsoft. If you do not already have it installed, you can download it here.


Basics of a Good Story

    • Consider your audience.
    • 1st persion is more personal, 3rd person more detached.

  • Dramatic Question
    • Most stories follow a structure based on somebody desiring something, then they act on that desire and you as the audience are able to see the results.
  • Emotional Content
    • Viewers identify with and are engaged by stories they can emotionally connect with.
  • Your Voice
    • Using your voice persoanlizes your story and allows viewers to really connect.
  • Soundtrack
    • Adds depth and helps make sense of viuals.
    • Sometimes music with lyrics can be distracting, so try to use instrumental pieces.
  • Economy
    • Identify key points and then find stills or clips that visualize those points. Clips or images that are too long will bore your audience.
    • Show your audience just enough to get the point across, then move on.
  • Pacing
    • This is the ryhthm of your story. It shouldn't be too fast or too slow. Stories should move at a comfortable pace.



What You'll Need

  • Still Images
  • Voice Over Narration
  • Soundtrack
  • Sound Effects
  • Titles
  • Transistions

Putting it Together


Always remember- the story is 1st, technology is 2nd!

Stage 1: Pre-Production

This is what students do before sitting down at a computer.
It can include:
  • Scripting
  • Storyboard
Planning and Storyboarding Resources
Stage 2: Production
This is where students start their story on the computer. They will import their pictures, put them in the right order, etc.
Music and Picture Resources

Stage 3: Post-Production

In this stage, students add their titles, credits, transitions, and music.
Stage 4: Distribution
Share your work! Movies are made to be viewed....so share it with the class, post it to your webpage, send it home on CD!
Assessment Resources